Periodontal Treatments

Periodontal disease, most commonly known as gum disease, is in simple terms inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. Therefore, its main feature is gums characterised by red rather than pink color with tendency to bleed during brushing.

Prior to the actual apicectomy, you will be required to attend a consultation with the dentist, endodontist or oral surgeon who will perform your treatment. Throughout this consultation, you will learn about the procedure and exactly what it entails. It is often considered best to have the apicectomy under the hand of an experienced endodontist due to the increased and better use of endodontic microsurgery. During this meeting you will be questioned on your dental and medical history and it is vital that you tell the dentist everything.

There are two types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Whereas the main feature of bleeding gums is present in both types, their main difference is that periodontitis involves loss of bone support around teeth. Teeth may, therefore, drift or become loose as a consequence of the disease process. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and it may advance to periodontitis if left untreated.

Plaque accumulation on teeth is the main cause of periodontal disease. Plaque, containing remnants of food and saliva, forms an ideal biofilm for the development of bacteria which cause the gum inflammation and destroy the bone around teeth. Smoking and systemic diseases, such as diabetes, reduce our defensive capacity against the microbial challenge and therefore contribute in the progression of periodontal disease.

Compliance with effective home oral care and with regular review and scaling visits with the hygienist or periodontist prevents relapse of treated Periodontal Disease.

There is no doubt that gum health is the main prerequisite for long term tooth preservation in the oral cavity. Additionally, any restorative, such as filling-crown-bridge-denture-implant, and orthodontic work needs to be performed on a healthy gum substrate. Otherwise, there is increased risk for deterioration of existing periodontal disease increasing the risk for tooth loss.

Gingival recession is movement of the gum margin resulting in exposure of the root surface of the tooth leading to increased sensitivity and aesthetic distress. It can be caused by aggressive tooth brushing as well as mal-positioning of a tooth. Gingival recession can be treated predictably and successfully with a variety of surgical techniques involving regenerative biomaterials and/or gum grafts. Incorporation of an atraumatic tooth brushing technique using a soft toothbrush is the key to success and prevention of further recession.